Bayern Munich has enjoyed good returns in the final third during the first four Bundesliga games. The Bavarian club has looked much more cohesive unit in the attack, scoring 11 goals in four league games. Bayern are likely to get better in this area as the season progresses.
Harry Kane has been one of the key reasons behind Die Roten’s success in the final third. The Bavarian club has recorded a Bundesliga high xG of 10.3 after four games. Apart from Kane, Mathys Tel and Leroy Sane have also been in sublime form for Rekordmeister this season.
Tel has been particularly impressive for Bayern, considering the fact that he has not started a single league game until now. Thomas Tuchel is using Tel as an attacking option from the bench. Despite getting limited playing time, Tel has managed to score twice and get one assist in the four Bundesliga games until now.
The 18-year-old forward is set for a big campaign with Die Roten. Tel enjoyed a decent debut campaign as he scored five goals for Bayern across all competitions. The French forward had set a bigger target for himself, but he is content with the debut campaign in Bavaria. While talking to L’Equipe this week (via iMiaSanMia), Tel explained how crucial the first season with Bayern was for his development.
"“It was enriching and motivating, even though I couldn’t reach my target in terms of goals and assists, which was frustrating. I progressed in terms of style of play. My way of thinking is now more collective, at the service of the team, I’m dribbling less often. For example, my most recent assist against Leverkusen – Before, I’m 4000% certain that I would cut inside and shoot. But now I told myself: as soon as you beat the defender, you have to look for the pass to Goretzka.”"
Tel’s versatility makes him a great option for Tuchel and Bayern. The French forward can lead the attack, stretching the teams with clever runs. He can also play on the left flank as a traditional winger. The 18-year-old forward can beat the full-back with pace and dribbling. He managed to set Goretzka’s goal against Leverkusen by beating the right-back.
The French forward was subject to a lot of loan interest during the summer transfer window. Augsburg were eager to sign him on loan, while Tottenham Hotspur reportedly wanted to include Tel in a deal for Harry Kane. Thomas Tuchel had also hinted that Tel may have to go out on loan at the end of last season.
Mathys Tel was determined to stay at Bayern despite no guarantees of consistent playing time. After a good first year of learning in Munich, Tel was eager to stick around and fight for a place in the first team. The first phase of the Bundesliga has shown that Tel made the right decision. He will get an adequate amount of playing time as the season progresses.
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Tel may not get starts in the number nine position, as Kane will start most games. However, there is an opening on the left flank. He can apply pressure on Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry for a place in the team. As things stand, Tuchel has a great selection dilemma in the attack due to the form of Tel. After a year of learning, Mathys Tel is ready to take the next step in his development.